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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Observer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124901  Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Observer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MQA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Intermediate Occupational Cert  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  124  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0435/25  2025-10-02  2030-10-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2031-10-02   2034-10-02  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Observer is to prepare a learner to be a Mine Planning Observer. Mine Planning Observers develop and schedule basic mine plans and production schedules; troubleshoot and address problems, and complete administrative functions and duties, in accordance with organisational, statutory, and regulatory requirements. The curriculum will be contextualised to mining underground hard-rock, underground coal, or surface operations, as applicable.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Produce basic short-term mine plans and production schedules.
  • Prepare and collate information to determine the planning risks.
  • Troubleshoot.
  • Communicate effectively.

    The qualifying learner will know how to develop and schedule the exploitation of a mineral body to convert the mineral resource into mineral reserves for the safe and profitable extraction of the minerals in line with given organisational strategies effectively and competently.

    In addition, the qualification provides learners with opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader constituencies of the mine survey, occupational health, safety and environmental community.

    The qualification also allows for RPL; therefore, there will be an opportunity for RPL for mine employees, and this will allow new industry entrants to be fast-tracked to a productive career and assist in formalising the requirements for this very important occupation.
    A competent learner shall demonstrate, among others, the following attributes: honesty, integrity, punctuality, time management, self-motivation, responsibility, accountability, interpersonal relations, ethical behaviour, well-organised, self-confidence, and confidentiality.

    Rationale:
    Mining legislation states that appointed persons must possess qualifications reflecting their knowledge, training, skills, and experience to effectively carry out the prescribed activities in accordance with statutory regulations, mandatory codes of practice, and Directives.
    Given the recent advancements in information technology, particularly in the mining industry's planning domain, alongside the escalating statutory demands pertaining to reserve and resource estimation, there is an urgent need to address the diminishing skills amongst Mine Planners. Presently, there is no registered formal qualification for this critical skill.

    A Mine Planning Observer assists the Mine Planning Officer with creating and maintaining medium to long-term mine plans, mining costs and mining schedules, whilst ensuring that they are aligned with the operational objectives, resource availability, and safety standards.

    This qualification will assist in formalising the requirements for this very important occupation and aims to bridge this gap, by offering ongoing training and development opportunities, thereby facilitating the growth of mine planners from within the mining industry.

    The role of the Mine Planner is critical in mineral resource management. Skills in this area are scarce, and the complexity level of the work is growing with the development of new technologies and increasing legal and environmental requirements. The required work experience will be limited to the specific context where the learner finds him/herself.

    This is an entry occupation to a career in Mine Planning. Without this qualification, it is very difficult to bring new industry entrants into the planning function. This qualification will allow promotional opportunities for current employees as well as provide a career path for new entrants into the industry.
    Effective planning impacts the implementation of social and labour plans, and the effective implementation of this qualification will lead to a more productive use of the mine's resources. In the long term, it will contribute to the sustainability of the mining industry.
    This qualification will bring significant benefits to both the mining sector and society by enhancing skills and technical competencies. Qualified learners will be equipped to elevate work standards, adhere to occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements, and work safely and productively, thereby contributing to the country's economy.

    This will attract both local and international investors, further contributing to building the economy of the country.
    Learners entering this qualification will be new entrants to the mining sector or Mine Technical Support Assistants in either Survey, Sampling or Geology. Mine workers with appropriate experience seeking to advance their careers will also benefit from this qualification.

    The typical learning pathway would be Mine Technical Support Assistant at NQF Level 2, Mine Planning Observer at NQF Level 3, Mine Planning Officer at NQF Level 4, Mine Planning Technician/Junior Mine Planner at NQF Level 6, then Mine Planner at NQF Level 7, which are mostly in review stages.

    Diagonal articulation could not be established as there were no registered qualifications across the different Sub- Frameworks at the time of the review. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access to Training
    Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part- qualification, or skills programme.

    Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider that offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

    For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

    RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)
    Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal, or nonformal learning and/or work experience may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

    A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA, in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.
    Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO.

    Entry Requirements
  • An NQF Level 2 qualification in Communication and Mathematics.
    Or
  • An NQF Level 2 Skills Programme in Mine Technical Support Assistant. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill, and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 311701-011-00-KM-01, Introduction to Mine Planning, NQF Level 3, 20 Credits.
  • 311701-011-00-KM-02, Mineral Resource Management, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 311701-011-00-KM-03, Mining Engineering and Technical Services Practice, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 311701-009-01-KM-04, Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules:40

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 311701-011-00-PM-01, Assist with the Production of Short-term Mine Plans and Production Schedules Including Resource and Equipment Requirements for Mining Final Products, NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 311701-011-00-PM-02, Update Basic Mining Layouts and Schedule the Required Resources to Achieve the Production Rates, NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 311701-011-00-PM-03, Complete Basic Risk Assessments for Mine Plans and Schedules, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 36

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 311701-011-00-WM-01, Exposure to the Mining Value Chain, NQF Level 3, 24 Credits.
  • 311701-011-00-WM-02, Exposure to the Short-term Mine Planning Operations, NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 311701-011-00-WM-03, Exposure to the Mining Risk Assessment Operations, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 48 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge, procedures, and technical skills to produce basic short-term mine plans and production schedules.
    2. Prepare and collate information to determine the risks associated with the execution of the short-term mine plans.
    3. Perform troubleshooting activities.
    4. Communicate effectively. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO 1. Apply knowledge, procedures, and technical skills to produce basic short-term mine plans and production schedules.
  • Apply basic knowledge and understanding of mine engineering, survey, geology, rock engineering, ventilation, and sampling, and how these relate to mine planning.
  • Calculate the value of mined minerals using sampling and related data, in accordance with requirements.
  • Plot survey information on mine plans and complete calculations to check and verify the survey data, in accordance with requirements.
  • Identify errors in mine plans and designs and make appropriate alterations to the mine plans.
  • Produce short-term plans in accordance with requirements.
  • Develop production schedules to achieve production targets and timelines.
  • Ensure compliance with occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements, in accordance with statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2. Prepare and collate information to determine the risks associated with the execution of the short-term mine plans.
  • Apply basic knowledge and understanding of mine planning, mineral resource management, mining engineering, technical services practice, and statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements applied.
  • Identify and evaluate the required legal permits and permits and identify the relevant risks and mitigating actions.
  • Evaluate production volumes, production performance, and geological conditions; identify key hazards and risks associated with each; and make recommendations for changing the mine plans to mitigate the potential risks in accordance with statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
  • Compile a template-based risk report using information from various mine plans and the operating performance of the mine.
  • Ensure compliance with all occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO 3. Perform troubleshooting activities.
  • Collect data for conducting planning risk assessments.
  • Collate the results of risk assessment sessions.
  • Prepare presentations on planning risk assessments and contingency actions, and an explanation is given on how these will be presented to management.
  • Explain and apply risk assessment actions.
  • Analyse and solve problems in accordance with requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO 4. Communicate effectively.
  • Demonstrate oral and written communication effectively whilst performing the tasks related to mine planning observer's activities.
  • Communicate clearly, accurately planning parameters.
  • Communicate identified risks in accordance with operational requirements.
  • Communicate information accurately and convey in accordance with acceptable timeframes.
  • Communicate fluently and understandably, in accordance with requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, nonformal, and informal ongoing assessment activities is used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment.
    Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weaknesses, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills, and workplace experience gained.

    Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, and interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification, or occupational skills programme, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed.

    An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification, part-qualification or skills programme.

    Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated, and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g., applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc.

    External Integrated Summative Assessment:
    The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to the international qualifications offered in New Zealand and Canada, respectively.

    Country: New Zealand
    Qualification title: New Zealand Certificate in Mining and Quarrying (First-line Supervision)
    Level 4

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification is aimed at providing learner with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to undertake and implement short-term operational planning for their team and coordinate the implementation of work and production schedules for a team at the first-line supervisory level. The qualification is offered by Te Pukenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

    New Zealand Certificate in Mining and Quarrying (First-line Supervision) (Level 4) with strands in Surface and Underground was found to have covered generic competencies that are addressed in the South African Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Observer qualification.

    This qualification is aimed at individuals within the mining industry with at least 12 months' experience in either surface or underground mining.

    Qualified learners will earn between 160 - 205 credits, depending on the elective unit standard chosen.
    The qualification is made up of five (5) core unit standards and two (2) elective unit standards. To be awarded the qualification, learners must complete all core unit standards, to earn 105 credits, and one (1) elective unit standard to earn either 55 credits or 100 credits, depending on the strand chosen.

    A list of the standards, together with their respective credits, is provided below:
  • Provide leadership and guidance when organising their own and others' activities at a mining and quarrying site, 20 credits.
  • Interpret and implement mining and quarrying operational plans in compliance with legislation and workplace policies and procedures, 50 credits.
  • Co-ordinate and apply risk assessment procedures and workplace health and safety and environmental procedures at a mining and quarrying site, 20 credits.
  • Conduct workplace inspections and incident investigations to maintain safety at a mining and quarrying site, 10 credits.
  • Communicate orally and in writing within the mining and/or quarrying workplace, and complete record-keeping for the mining and quarrying operation daily, 5 credits.

    Elective Strand - Surface
    Apply broad operational and theoretical knowledge of surface mining, quarrying, and/or processing to ensure team members can complete a wide range of tasks as required by the operational plan at a surface mining, quarrying, and/or processing site, 55 credits.
    Or
    Elective Strand - Underground
    Apply broad operational and theoretical knowledge of underground mining or tunnelling to ensure team members can complete a wide range of tasks as required by the operational plan at an underground mining or tunnelling site, 100 credits.

    Similarities:
  • Similarities have been found with the learner's profile, content covered, the level at which the two qualifications are pitched, and learning progression.
  • These qualifications are both aimed at learners who wish to pursue a career in the mining industry. Upon completion of each of these qualifications, learners will have gained the knowledge and skills required to lead and supervise teams, conduct risk assessments and workplace inspections, interpret and implement mine operational plans, and apply communication and record-keeping skills in daily operations.

    Regarding learning progression, the South African Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Observer qualification builds on a lower-level qualification and leads to the National Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Officer qualification, pitched at NQF Level 4.

    A similar progression has been noted with the New Zealand qualifications. The New Zealand Certificate in Mining and Quarrying (First-line Supervision) (Level 4) with strands in Surface, and Underground qualification builds on the New Zealand Certificate in Surface Mining and Quarrying (Level 3) or the New Zealand Certificate in Underground Mining (Level 3). Upon completion, learners can enroll against the New Zealand Diploma in Mining and Quarrying (Supervision) (Level 5) with strands in Surface and Underground, then the New Zealand Diploma in Mining and Quarrying Management (Level 6).

    Differences:
  • Differences have been observed with entry requirements, levels at which the qualifications are pitched, and composition.
  • Entry into the South African Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Observer qualification is a qualification at a lower level. This is open to either new entrants into the mining sector or individuals who are currently working in the mining sector. On the contrary, to enter the New Zealand qualification, learners should have gained at least 12 months of experience in either surface or underground mining.
  • The South African Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Observer qualification is pitched at NQF Level 3, contrary to the level at which the New Zealand Certificate in Mining and Quarrying (First-line Supervision) (Level 4) with strands in Surface and Underground qualification is pitched at Level 4.

    Differences have also been noted in the composition of each qualification.
    The South African Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Observer qualification is made up of modules that are compulsory for the attainment of the qualification. On the other hand, the New Zealand Certificate in Mining and Quarrying (First-line Supervision) (Level 4) with strands in Surface and Underground qualification comprises both core and elective unit standards, allowing individual learners to choose a strand associated with the area of practice.

    Lastly, the focus in the South African Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Observer qualification is on core mine planning competencies, whilst the content covered in the New Zealand Certificate in Mining and Quarrying (First-line Supervision) (Level 4) with strands in Surface and Underground qualification is generic in nature.

    Country: Canada
    Institution: EDUMINE

    Purpose/Rationale:
    EDUMINE, a private training provider, offers online Mine Planning short courses to learners who wish to pursue a career in Mine Planning. These qualifications range in duration from 12 to 20 hours, with a maximum of 90 days given to individual learners to complete each course.

    Learners who enroll in these courses should have a sound knowledge of the mining industry, preferably with work experience.

    Units that make up the qualification are:
    Mine Planning 1: Strategy. This course is offered over 14 hours of contact sessions, and learners have 90 days to complete the unit.
    The focus in this unit is on providing learners with the knowledge and skills to establish the financial feasibility of the designed Mine plan. Learners will learn about mining method selection, process route selection, and scale of operation. This unit is offered over 14 hours. Learners are required to complete the module within 90 days.

    Outcomes:
  • Recognize the basic principles and practical methodologies of mine planning and mine evaluation.
  • Identify and apply key levers for creating value in the mining business. Entry is a degree or diploma in geology, mining, or related discipline.

    Mine Planning 2: Operations. This course is offered over 17 hours of contact sessions, and learners have 90 days to complete the qualification.
    The focus in this unit is to introduce learners to key mine planning concepts such as sequencing, scheduling and cut-off grade so that they are in a better position to aid the success of the mining operation. This unit is offered over 17 hours of contact sessions, and learners have 90 days to complete the unit.

    Objectives:
  • Recognize how the technical aspects of mining are incorporated into the development of optimal Mine plans.
  • Identify the key levers for creating value as part of the strategic mine planning process.
  • Apply these key levers to evaluate avenues for creating additional value by generating alternative Mine plans.
  • Identify the key differences between the mining business and other traditional industries in terms of value creation and how these relate to the mine planning process.

    Mine Planning 3: Optimisation. This qualification is offered over 20 hours of contact sessions, and learners have 90 days to complete the unit. Entry into this unit of learning is a degree or diploma in geology, mining, or a related discipline.

    The objective in this unit is to introduce learners to mathematical optimization concepts, which form the basis for many computerized planning tools.

    Topics covered in this unit of learning are:
  • Identify commonly used algorithms and how they are applied in Mine optimization.
  • Identify common types of linear programming problems and how they can be solved to optimize Mine performance.
  • Identify alternative programming techniques and how they are applied in Mine optimization.

    Similarities:
  • Similar elements of competence were found, and the outcomes of the courses match closely with those covered in the occupational-based qualification. However, these are extensively covered in the South African Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Observer qualification.

    Differences:
  • Differences have been found with entry requirements, duration, and composition of qualifications offered by EDUMINE in relation to the South African occupational qualification.
  • To enter the South African Intermediate Occupation Certificate: Mine Planning Observer qualification, learners should have completed a qualification at a lower level, with communication and mathematics. On the other hand, it has been noted that to enroll in each of the mine planning courses offered by EDUMINE, learners must have completed a degree or diploma in geology, mining, or a related discipline.

    Differences have also been observed in the duration of each learning programme. The South African Intermediate Occupation Certificate: Mine Planning Observer qualification has a credit-bearing of 124. By default, based on credits, this qualification will be offered over a year. Contrary to this, learners have a maximum of 90 days to complete each mine planning course that is offered by EDUMINE. Therefore, learners have a maximum of 270 days, which translate to 9 months, to complete all three mine planning courses offered by EDUMINE.

    Differences have also been identified in the composition of the qualifications. The South African Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Observer qualification is a comprehensive program where all content is mandatory for qualification attainment. In contrast, Edumine's Mine planning courses are standalone and independent from each other.

    Conclusion:
    International comparison in this instance has not revealed comparable qualifications for one or more of the following reasons:
  • Formal qualifications covering planning are generic in nature.
  • Qualifications offered in Canada may not be set in a mining context, resulting in less practical orientation compared to this qualification.

    Despite the absence of directly comparable qualifications internationally, this qualification is occupationally based and directly meets a specific industry need. Therefore, it is considered a valuable and relevant qualification that can be used by other countries for comparison in the future. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampling Observer, NQF Level 3.
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampler, NQF Level 4.
  • National Occupational Certificate: Mine Survey Officer, NQF Level 4.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conducting, and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    Legal requirements: Meets organisational, legislated, and regulatory requirements to enter into the training programme. Comply with mining medical fitness requirements.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers
    The curriculum title and code are: Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Observer: 311701-011-00- 00

    Encompassed Trade:
    None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
    Mining Qualifications Authority. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.